Illustration of a santa visit scene (North Pole Express)
Other Christmas Activities

North Pole Express

Guests embark on a scenic train excursion to the North Pole while listening to the sounds of the holiday season. Upon arriving at the North Pole, Santa boards the train to ride along on the return trip to New Haven. Once back at the depot, families can visit with Santa and take photos with him.

What to Expect

Nostalgic train excursion to the North Pole to pick up Santa.

Event Details

Duration

1.5 hours.

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Kentucky Railway Museum

Food & Drink

Guests can enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate at Claus’s Kitchen Caboose before the excursion; only bottled water may be taken aboard the train.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Nostalgic and festive

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Location

Kentucky Railway Museum
136 South Main St., New Haven, KY 40051
New Haven, KY
40051

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Adults age 13+: $28.00; children ages 2–12: $28.00. – Get tickets
  • Accessibility: Coach 1105 features one wheelchair accessible area to lock a wheelchair in place, while Coach 1616 requires steps to board.
  • Pets: No pets are allowed; service animals are welcome.

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive an hour before departure to enjoy the cookie and hot chocolate in Claus's Kitchen Caboose and the small activities set up for the kids.
  • Put the kids in their pajamas for the trip, since families are encouraged to wear them for the full North Pole Express experience.
  • Leave snacks and drinks other than bottled water behind, because nothing else can be taken on board the train.
  • Book the wheelchair-accessible ticket for Coach 1105 if anyone will stay in a wheelchair during the ride, since there is only one space.
  • Cancel by October 31 if your plans might change, because that is the deadline for a full refund on North Pole Express tickets.

Special Events & Promotions

  • North Pole Express Premium Seating is sold as a separate ticket.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are refreshments provided?

Yes, families can stop by Claus’s Kitchen Caboose before the train ride to enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie.

Will children be able to meet Santa?

Yes, Santa rides the train back from the North Pole, and visitors have the opportunity to visit and take photos with him in the depot after arriving back at the station.

Can I bring food and drinks aboard the train?

No food or drink other than bottled water is permitted on the train.

Are pets allowed at the event?

No pets are allowed on the property, but service animals are welcome.

What is the cancellation policy for tickets?

Cancellations must be made by October 31 in order to receive a full refund.

Tags

Santa visitstrain ridesfamily friendlyholiday traditionchildrens activitiesfestive atmosphereholiday cheerseasonal activitiesChristmas show

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team